SpaceX secures NASA contract for gamma-ray astronomy mission launch

In a recent announcement, NASA revealed that SpaceX has been chosen to launch a small gamma-ray astronomy mission called the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in 2027, SSP reported.

Valued at approximately $69 million, the contract covers the launch and associated activities scheduled for August 2027. NASA has, however, declined to disclose the number of companies that bid for the contract, citing sensitivity in source selection information.

Originally selected in 2021 as part of NASA's SMEX program, COSI was initially projected to launch in 2025. To manage near-term costs, NASA extended the Phase B design work for COSI, which subsequently pushed the planned launch to 2027. Despite the delay, the confirmation review of COSI was completed in April.

This delay in missions, however, results in increased costs, as explained by Mark Clampin, the director of NASA's astrophysics division. The constrained budgets faced by NASA also impacted other projects such as the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) spacecraft, causing its launch to be postponed from 2028 to 2030.

Despite the budget challenges, NASA emphasizes maintaining a balance between large and small missions. The agency plans to issue another call for proposals for SMEX missions in 2025 to continue the cadence of Explorer missions.

In terms of cost savings, NASA's fiscal year 2025 budget reflects a reduction in expenses for COSI, amounting to $26 million for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. This decrease is attributed to a reduced launch vehicle estimate provided by the launch services provider.

As of now, SpaceX has been chosen as the launch provider for COSI; however, specific details about other bidders and the launch order were not disclosed by NASA. The collaboration between SpaceX and NASA underscores their continued partnership in advancing scientific exploration and discovery.

In conclusion, the selection of SpaceX for launching the COSI mission highlights the agency's commitment to cost-effectively fulfilling its scientific objectives. By leveraging the capabilities of commercial spaceflight providers, NASA continues its pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries in the field of gamma-ray astronomy.